Report of the Head of Strategic Communications and the Director, Manchester Climate Change Agency

This report provides an overview of the investment into zero carbon focused communications, and early assessment of impact.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Strategic Communications, and

Director, Manchester Climate Change Agency that provided an overview of the investment into zero carbon focused communications, and early assessment of impact.

Key points and themes in the report included:

·         Providing an introduction and background;

·         Information in relation to the research that had been conducted commissioned prior to the COVID-19 pandemic;

·         Information in regard to communications activity;

·         Information on the Behavioural Change Campaign;

·         Communications linked to the refreshed Climate Change Framework; 

·         Information on the integrated citywide communications campaign;

·         Information on the approach to citywide engagement activity;

·         Manchester Climate Change Agency activity; and

·         Reporting mechanisms.

Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were: -

·         Noting the positive work undertaken by residents in Whalley Range in relation to zero carbon and recommending that the video that showcased this resident engagement be shown at a meeting of full Council;

·         Noting that the research referred to within the report was pre pandemic and asking if there was an intention to undertake this exercise again; and

·         How was impact and reach measured and did we work with other core cities and share good practice on this area of activity.

The Head of Strategic Communications stated a consistent approach was taken across all departments and policies to ensure that the key messaging on the issue of zero carbon was aligned. He advised that using intelligence and research enabled the assessment of how these key messages landed, noting that the impact and outcomes would not always be immediately apparent. He further discussed the limitations of using Twitter as a measure, adding that a more valuable route was to engage in networks and in conversations with residents and communities on the issue of zero carbon. He commented that Neighbourhood Teams were key to working with residents, understanding what mattered to them and supporting initiatives on the issue of zero carbon. He further stated that good practice on this, and a range of related activities was shared with councils across Greater Manchester and with the Core Cities network.

In response to the 2019 research referred to in the report, he advised that this had provided a very useful baseline, however recognising the impact of the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis the intention was to commission this research again.

The Executive Member for Environment and Transport stated that she received regular reports on this area of activity and the approach was regularly reviewed to ensure it maximised impact. She further stated that she would welcome feedback on the Members Newsletter that had been produced and periodically circulated.

The Executive Member for Environment and Transport noted the comments from the Committee regarding the request to have the video shown at Council and she advised that she would discuss this with the Leader.

Decision

To note the report and recommend that the Executive Member for Environment and Transport discuss with the Leader the request to have the video referred to by Councillor Holt shown at a meeting of Council.